contributed by The NCIDQ Crew


NCIDQ HQ receives a host of inquiries from anxious, aspiring interior designers curious to find out the Who / What / How / When / Where of the exam. As you might imagine, the same questions surface again and again, so we thought that we would beat you to the punch and answer your most popular questions about the NCIDQ Exam. It’s just the “FAQs”, ma’am.

Where do I get an exam application?

Go to NCIDQ.org to apply online! It’s a much quicker process than the old method, which was downloading a PDF file of the application, printing it out, and completing by hand. However, the reference forms and work experience verification forms are still required to be downloaded, so you can fill them out when you get a free moment. (Some ideas: while flying to your high school reunion; while reclining on a floaty in your friend’s pool; or while waiting on the client who is always 30 minutes late.)

What do I have to send in with the application?

The application consists of the following items:

• Candidate Application Form
• Work Experience Verification Forms signed by all past employers
• Official college transcripts
• Three letters of reference from employers, clients and/or professional peers
• Application fee

 
[Tip: Go here to find out what NOT to send in with your application. You’d be surprised at what people put in the mail…]

What is covered on the exam?

The exam covers a broad range of knowledge and skills interior designers use in their daily practice. The exam tests only knowledge and skills that protect public health, life safety and welfare. Knowledge that is not critical to public safety, such as design history and furniture styles, is not tested.

The six broad content areas tested on the exam are:

• Programming
• Schematic design
• Design development
• Contract documents
• Contract administration
• Professional practice

 
Go here for more detailed information regarding subject matter. You can also purchase the NCIDQ Examination Study Guide for a content area breakdown for each exam section.

How many sections are there on the exam?

The exam consists of two multiple-choice sections (half-day each) and one practicum section (full day). You must pass all of them to complete the exam.

• Section I: Principles and Practices of Interior Design (multiple-choice, 3.5 hours, 150 questions)
• Section II: Contract Documents and Administration (multiple-choice, 3 hours, 125 questions)
• Section III: Schematics and Design Development (practicum, 7 hours, two parts)

What is the cost of the NCIDQ Examination?

NCIDQ charges an initial application fee to verify your eligibility for the exam.

• 2008 Application Fee in U.S. dollars (subject to change): $150

 
After your application is approved, you become eligible to register for exam sections. Each section of the exam is priced separately; although, if you take all sections at the same time, you do receive a discount.

2008 Exam Fees in U.S. dollars (subject to change):

• Section I: $240
• Section II: $200
• Section III: $375
• All three sections taken together: $720

If you fail a section and need to repeat it, you will need to register and pay for that section again in a future exam administration.


More To Come

Next month we’ll have even more FAQs for you, so stay cool and stay tuned.